“Maybe they’re sore because they lost those races,” put in Andy.
“I don’t believe they’d be mean enough to go as far as that,” said the owner of the institution. “However, I’ll start an investigation the first thing in the morning.”
The cadets went back to their quarters and soon the Rover boys were once more preparing to retire.
“I wonder if Flanders, Halliday and Sands would be wicked enough to come over here and start a fire?” questioned Fred.
“I’d hate to accuse anybody of doing that,” answered Randy.
“Perhaps it was some rascals who have a grudge against Colonel Colby,” suggested Jack.
“Who could have such a grudge as that?” demanded Fred. “He treats all his hired help fine. I don’t know of a single person around Colby Hall who doesn’t like the colonel. And all the tradespeople in town like him too.”
“I wasn’t thinking of the people who work for him,” answered the young major. “I was thinking of the fellows who used to be cadets here and who were fired out—fellows like Werner and Martell.”
The boys talked the matter over for several minutes, but could arrive at no conclusion and finally retired. But it was some time before any of them got to sleep.
In the morning Colonel Colby, aided by Captain Dale, started his investigation into the origin of the fire. A hunt was made up and down the lake for the mysterious motor-boat, and Captain Dale even paid a visit to Longley Academy. There he was received with decided coldness.